The 2009 Ashes Series

[quote=“Manuel Zelaya”]They did only bowl 54 balls at Hughes? It was hardly the exertions of that, that saw England’s ‘bowlers tire themselves out’. Hughes prospered early from some slack bowling from Broad. Once Flintoff got to work on him Hughes was out of his depth.

On the basis of the warm up match and his first innings performance yesterday Hughes has been a big letdown so far and has not lived up to all the hype about him.[/QUOTE]

Well said. 9 overs bowled at Hughes shared between 3 or 4 bowlers hardly tired the whole attack out. Giving Broad the new ball was the really bad error but Flintoff made Hughes look like a leper.

Finally a wicket. 299/2. Anderson after trapping Katich lbw.

Get to work now quickly on ‘Mr Cricket’ (what a f*cking ridiculous nickname)

England badly needed that but they could have done with it a hundred runs ago, or certainly earlier this morning. Australia won’t be too worried I don’t think they’ve plenty of batting left. Important they don’t allow England’s confidence up, consolidate until lunch.

325/3. ‘Mr Cricket’ out. Anderson again. He didn’t trouble the scoreboard too much with his 3 runs.

Monty’s got the big one. Ponting gone. Its 331/4

Cucumber Sandwich time and its 348/4. The tans will fall asunder in the middle session, Pup Clarke and Haddin will run riot.

Fancy Clarke to do well here. Think he’s a smashing player. I remember in 2005 Bandage was constantly talking up Ian Bell as being better than both Clarke and Aiden McGeady. Deary me.

Sloppy from Hussey. Fantastic knock from Ponting though to get 150.

Lovely stuff from Clarke and North here. Australia into the lead and this is a good partnership.

Good spell from Broad there, culminating with the wicket of Clarke. Another one or two before stumps would be handy for England.

Autralia continuing where they left off yesterday just picking off runs slowly enough but they’re building well.

New ball now for England and Flintoff takes it.

Rain forecast for later.

North and Haddin opening up a bit here.

Shocking lbw decision there against Bopara. How refreshing to see one of the longest standing traditions in test cricket continuing to propser - the Convicts benefiting from poor umpiring decisions. Parcticularly in view of the fact that England couldn’t buy a shout in the field in 3 days.

Ah it was a touch high but there wasn’t much in it. KP was saved by an lbw call in the first innings just didn’t take advantage.

England definitely in trouble now on 64-4.

Strauss caught behind off Hauritz. Poor shot.

Didn’t see Pietersen but by all accounts it was a shocker. Just left a straight ball from Hilfenhaus that took his off stump clean away.

Who could come into the England batting lineup if they wanted changes. They’ve had some very poor batting displays and Cook, KP and Strauss have all lost their wickets very cheaply this innings. So they’ve Onions and Harmison ready to bowl presumably - who are their batting alternatives?

Hauritz gets Prior now. 70 odd for 5.

Is this the same pitch Australia batted on?

You’re nothing if not consistent Evo.

Didn’t see Flintoff’s dismissal - what happened? Australia in a good position now. 128-6 and England trail by 111.

Collingwood the key obviously.

Hauritz gets another. Broad gone LBW - good call.

159-7

10,000 posts…well done rocko:clap:

Only flicking over to the hurling because of how good this is.

Siddle has just hit Swann three times in four balls. He’s had the physio on twice in 5 minutes. Fucking smashing bowling.